About Lampwork

About Lampwork

Glass rods are melted and wound on a mandrel (Metal Rod) using either Moretti (Effetre) or Bullseye glass,
there are other brands of glass, however these are the two types of glass I use. This glass comes in long
rods and their diameters range, not usually exceeding a quarter inch for bead making. The glass begins to
move at around 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the glass is workable (it can be shaped or molded) at 2000
degrees Fahrenheit. There are many different tools used in flameworking, usually made of stainless steel
or graphite. Graphite tools are used because they don't stick to the hot glass. Stainless steel tools will stick
to hot glass while in the flame or when its at it's hottest temperatures, however, they are very effective
in shaping glass when properly used. Each of the glass beads are individually flameworked (torch-blown)
and properly kiln-annealed overnight.

By annealing the glass beads, they are guaranteed hard as rocks, durable enough for everyday wear with
long lasting heirloom quality. When a glass bead is finished, the hot bead (while still on the mandrel), is
placed in a kiln heated at 960°F. The annealing process releases the stress from the glass and slowly cools
the beads down to room temperature. Cooling the glass beads too quickly will cause them to crack.

Pictures of my Studio below, click on pictures to enlarge.